Introduction: Unspecified (altruistic) donation is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Concerns persist about donor motivations, regret and long-term psychosocial outcomes. The aims of this study were to compare physical and psychosocial outcomes in unspecified altruistic donors (UD) vs. Specified (directed) donors (SD).

Methods: All 117 UK unspecified donors donating between 2007 until July 2012 were sent a postal questionnaire containing 12 pre-validated psychosocial outcome measures and self-designed questions specific to donation. A SD comparison group was similarly recruited from a single London centre. The UD sample was also asked about motivation, regret and anonymity.

Results: 134 responses were received (85 UD vs.49 SD; 50.6%). UD were older (58yrs vs. 49yrs; p<0.001), predominantly white (97.6% vs. 79.6%; p<0.05) and had donated more recently (1.58yrs vs. 2.65yrs; p<0.001). 46 UD (54.1%) received an acknowledgement from their recipient following donation. Of those who did not, 90% had wanted to receive one. 15% had corresponded further with their recipient; being initiated by the donor in one third of cases. Very few had met face-to-face (2.4%) but had not regretted it. 55 (65%) donors had found out what happened to their kidney and 12 (22%) had regretted doing so. UD were most motivated to donate by a feeling that surgery would have minimal impact on them when compared to the benefit for the recipient (48.2%). Psychosocial outcomes demonstrated lower social support and social rank in the UD group (p<0.001). Factors, such as mood, anxiety and self-esteem, were not significantly different. UD demonstrated more altruistic behaviours, such as organ donor registration and volunteer work (p<0.05). UD felt less supported in their decision to donate (p<0.05).

Discussion: This study shows that although an acknowledgement of donation is preferred, only a minority of unspecified donors wish to establish long-term contact or meet their recipient. No donors regretted meeting but a significant number had regretted knowing the outcome. There are comparable psychosocial outcomes between both groups, however unspecified donors continue to demonstrate lower social rank and social support.

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